Adventures

Volcanoes: The Ring of Fire are the backbone of the Guatemalan Highlands

Guatemala’s impressive geography is defined by a chain of 33 volcanoes that makes up the backbone of the Guatemalan Highlands. There are three active cones and plenty of adventure to be had on every volcano. Our tours get you out there enjoying the volcanoes in comfort!

Available Tours

Whether you are looking to cross off climbing an active volcano from your bucket list, are a photographer looking to capture Fuego's impressive eruptions, a peak bagger looking to add Guatemala's tallest peak, or just flat out enjoy big hikes up massive mountains we have a hike and volcano trip for you.

Why hike with Old Town Outfitters

Go with the most-trusted operator, we have 25 years of operating experience here in Guatemala and you will be in good hands with our professionally trained guides.

Volcano Adventure Packages

With so many different volcanoes we have the ability to craft the perfect trekking trip to your time and skill level. We have full-day hikes to active cones, overnight camping trips on Acatenango and extended expeditions that take in the biggest and best volcanoes that make up the Ring of Fire. Get in touch if you want to create a custom adventure, we love the challenge.

Volcanoes Highlights:

  • Trek up Guatemala’s premier peaks, and summit Central America’s highest volcano
  • Climb Acatenango and see a spectacular lava show from neighboring Fuego Volcano
  • Multi-day volcano trips offer an amazing cross section of the country and its vibrant Mayan culture
  • Enjoy breathtaking 360° views of the entire Ring of Fire from the summit of Acatenango
  • Roast marshmellows above volcanic heat vents on Pacaya Volcano
  • Conquer the rugged backbone of the Western Highlands one by one

My team of 5 avid hikers hiked 7 volcanoes in 11 days with guides Carlos and Lucas, who went out of their way to make our trip fun, safe, exciting and full of wonderful surprises. Their passion for adventure, love for the outdoors of their country, dedication and commitment to meeting our needs and cheerful disposition made it an epic experience for us. I am also extremely grateful to Chris Gwinner who tailored this adventure for my group. His professionalism, prompt and accurate communication and patience in answering questions left little to unknown which helped everything run smoothly. OTO you are the best!!

– Daisy B. from Toronto, Canada - Trip Advisor

FAQs

Guatemala has two main seasons throughout the year that are fairly predictable. Mid-October to late April is the dry season where you can expect blue skies and clear starry nights. Late April through the beginning of October is the rainy season where you can expect afternoon showers and evening rain. Temperatures will vary greatly depending on the various regions of Guatemala but are comfortable year round. In Antigua, the temperature typically varies from the low 50’s°F to low 80’s°F.

Depending on the volcano there are different bathroom setups. For instance, on Acatenango we have a latrine at our private campsite while on other volcanoes there may be a communal spot. If no designated spot is there we will create a secluded pit toilet. Think poo with a view.

Unless otherwise speficied, yes. However, porters for the overnight camp sections are available to hire locally at an extra cost. We work alongside local communities around the volcanoes to help set up a guide association to ensure fair pay for porters and guides, and high safety standards for all our visitors to the volcanoes.

Unless otherwise requested, we supply each couple or 2 same sex hikers with a three person 3 season tent. This gives you more room for gear and to spread out.

You do not need any specialized climbing equipment and a gear list will be sent out to you at time of booking.

Tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink, so you'll need to stick to bottled or filtered water. Each hotel you'll stay in will have filtered water where you can fill up your bottles before each hike. We are passionate about reducing single-use plastic waste in Guatemala, so we won't provide plastic bottles of drinking water at any stage.

Climbing Guatemalan volcanoes requires going to high altitudes. Depending on which volcano(es), you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 meters. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatize successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude.

Weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable. We supply quality gear and do not typically cancel or abandon a trip unless the weather is dangerous.